The Bangladesh Parliament on Sunday observed a one-minute silence in memory of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, former acting president, speaker of the national parliament, and member of the BNP standing committee. Lawmakers from both the government and opposition stood in silence during the session, where a condolence motion was also presented and discussed.

Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar passed away at 4:19 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka. He was 94 years old. BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed deep sorrow, describing Sarkar as an experienced politician, skilled parliamentarian, and true patriot. Rahman highlighted Sarkar’s courageous and wise leadership during the 17-year anti-autocracy movement and his lasting contributions to democracy and citizens’ rights.

Sarkar’s death marks the loss of a veteran political figure whose legacy remains significant in Bangladesh’s democratic history.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed all administrative units to prioritize the protection of lives and property amid the ongoing disaster situation across Bangladesh. Speaking at a virtual meeting on Sunday, July 12, 2026, with divisional commissioners, police officials, and local administrators, he warned that any negligence in duty would not be tolerated. The meeting was held from the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat.

Rahman emphasized ensuring safety for people affected by continuous rainfall and waterlogging, urging rapid relief distribution, medical support, and effective coordination among all agencies. He instructed officials to maintain transparency and accountability in relief operations, ensure safe shelter conditions, and provide special care for women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. Law enforcement agencies were told to remain alert to prevent crimes such as theft, looting, or relief misappropriation during the crisis.

Officials from various regions reported on flood conditions, rescue efforts, and relief progress. The Prime Minister reviewed the situation and ordered all departments to stay prepared with manpower and equipment to respond to potential risks and continue working closely with affected communities.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam and the party’s chief organizer for the southern region, Hasnat Abdullah, distributed relief materials among flood-affected residents in Anwara upazila of Chattogram. The distribution took place on Sunday afternoon at Dovashi Bazar in the 3rd Raypur Union, where hundreds of families have been stranded by floodwaters for several days.

Speaking to journalists afterward, Nahid Islam criticized the government’s handling of the ongoing flood crisis, saying people were suffering while authorities failed to respond effectively. He urged citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in helping those affected. The opposition whip also condemned the poor condition of coastal embankments and alleged negligence by local administration and lawmakers, noting that no government relief had reached the area.

He further claimed that corruption during the previous Awami League government had worsened embankment problems and vowed to ensure that new budget allocations for embankment repairs would be used transparently. NCP student leaders Abu Bakar Mojumdar and Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi were also present at the event.

National Parliament Whip and Habiganj-3 Member of Parliament Alhaj GK Gaus has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad and BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar. The condolence message was issued on Sunday afternoon, describing Sarkar as a veteran politician, distinguished lawyer, and a central figure in Bangladesh’s parliamentary democracy.

GK Gaus stated that as Speaker of the National Parliament, Barrister Sarkar performed his duties with skill, wisdom, and impartiality, playing an important role in strengthening the country’s parliamentary democracy. He added that the nation has lost a respected political personality with his passing. The Whip prayed for the forgiveness of Sarkar’s departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

The message concluded with prayers that Barrister Sarkar’s good deeds be accepted and that he be granted a place in Jannatul Ferdous.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury informed the Bangladesh Parliament that a total of Tk 982.91 crore was spent on various programs marking the celebration of Mujib Year. The disclosure came on Sunday during a question-and-answer session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, in response to a query from Rangpur-3 MP Md. Mahbubur Rahman (Belal). The expenditure covered the creation of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portraits and monuments, as well as bronze, copper, and marble statues in government offices, and the installation of digital countdown boards at the national level.

In his written reply, the finance minister detailed that all ministries and divisions collectively incurred the total cost for implementing the programs across districts and upazilas. He also submitted a copy of the expenditure statement titled “Mujib Year Celebration Expenditure Details” to the Parliament.

The statement provided an official accounting of the government’s spending on the nationwide celebration activities, offering transparency regarding the financial scope of the Mujib Year observance.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said the government will stand by people affected by disasters, ensuring continuous relief and assistance for those trapped by water. On Sunday, following heavy rainfall, he visited the flood-affected Chandgaon C&B and Mohra areas of Chattogram city to meet residents, distribute food and essential relief, and assess the situation.

During the visit, the minister stated that the government and local administration are working in coordination to reduce the suffering of affected people. He added that, under the Prime Minister’s directive, all relevant agencies are active in providing necessary support. Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said the corporation is working with full sincerity to ensure food, shelter, and emergency aid for waterlogged residents, and that relief operations will continue until the situation normalizes.

Members of Parliament Ershad Ullah and Saeed Al Noman accompanied the minister, expressing solidarity with affected families and pledging continued cooperation in post-disaster rehabilitation efforts.

US Congressman Ro Khanna reported that he and his delegation were detained by armed Israeli settlers during a visit to the occupied West Bank. The incident occurred in the Palestinian village of Khirbet Zanuta, where residents had previously been displaced by settler violence. Khanna described the event as a stark example of the daily hardships faced by Palestinians under occupation, saying the settlers surrounded their vehicle and called Israeli forces, who sided with the settlers.

Khanna’s aide Cameron Kasky said the group was held for over an hour before Israeli police intervened. The Israeli military confirmed that settlers had blocked the convoy and said troops and police later cleared the way for the Americans. Neither Israeli police nor the US Embassy in Jerusalem commented immediately. Khirbet Zanuta has become a symbol of escalating settler violence in the West Bank, documented by human rights groups.

Khanna’s trip comes amid growing debate within the Democratic Party over US policy toward Israel and the occupied territories. He said the experience strengthened his consideration of a 2028 presidential run and underscored the moral importance of supporting Palestinian human rights.

Police have arrested Selim Ahmed, the convener of the Swechchhasebak League in Meghna Upazila of Comilla. He was detained early Sunday from his residence by a special police team. According to Meghna police sources, the arrest is linked to a case filed over an attack on BNP activists during a program in the Mirjanagar Kadamtala area.

The case was recently lodged by Monir Hossain at Meghna Police Station, naming Selim Ahmed as one of the accused. Following his arrest, police said that all necessary legal procedures were completed before sending him to court. Meghna Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Shahidul Islam confirmed that the arrest was made based on secret information.

Authorities stated that Selim Ahmed has been presented before the court, and further legal proceedings are underway as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) offered 200–300 million rupees, ministerial posts, and promises of restoring statehood to persuade National Conference (NC) legislators to defect. Speaking at a party rally near Hazratbal in Srinagar on Saturday, Abdullah said a Supreme Court lawyer close to the BJP approached one of his party’s legislators with these offers. He claimed that when money and ministerial incentives failed, BJP intermediaries promised to return Jammu and Kashmir’s state status in exchange for support.

Abdullah asserted that no NC legislator would sell their ideals for money and warned the central government and BJP not to test their patience. He said he had repeatedly raised the issue of restoring full statehood with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other central ministers, but was always told it would happen at an “appropriate time.”

The remarks come amid renewed political pressure on New Delhi to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status. The NC has intensified its campaign and plans a protest in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 20 demanding full statehood and democratic accountability.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq has expressed deep sorrow and condolence over the death of former Speaker of the National Parliament and BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar. In his condolence message, the minister described Sarkar as a veteran politician, distinguished lawyer, and a dedicated figure in parliamentary democracy who served with skill, wisdom, and impartiality, strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.

The minister noted that Sarkar’s long career in politics, law, and parliamentary affairs left a lasting contribution that the nation will remember with respect. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.

According to the report, Jamir Uddin Sarkar served as State Minister for Public Works and Urban Development during President Ziaur Rahman’s tenure, later as State Minister for Foreign Affairs under President Abdus Sattar, and subsequently as State Minister for Land and Education Minister after the BNP came to power in 1991. He was the Speaker of the Eighth National Parliament after BNP’s return to power in 2001.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, a member of the BNP National Standing Committee and former Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad. He conveyed his condolences in a verified Facebook post on Sunday, acknowledging Sarkar’s passing and praying for his forgiveness and peace.

In his message, Dr. Rahman described Barrister Sarkar as a distinguished senior lawyer of the Supreme Court and a patriotic politician who served the nation with dedication. He recalled Sarkar’s tenure as Speaker, noting that he was widely respected. Dr. Rahman also mentioned Sarkar’s sympathetic stance toward Jamaat leaders who faced legal persecution during a repressive period, his valuable advice, and his refusal to accept legal fees for defending them, calling it his moral duty.

Dr. Rahman prayed for divine mercy upon Sarkar and patience for his bereaved family, colleagues, and loved ones.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, former Speaker of the National Parliament and member of the BNP National Standing Committee. In a condolence message issued on Sunday, the Prime Minister prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.

In his message, the Prime Minister described Barrister Sarkar as a wise, honest, and dedicated figure in Bangladesh’s politics. He recalled Sarkar’s long and distinguished career, during which he served as Acting President, Speaker of Parliament, and held several ministerial positions including Education, Land, Foreign Affairs, and Public Works. The Prime Minister said Sarkar’s contributions to strengthening democratic institutions, developing parliamentary culture, and promoting public welfare would be remembered with deep respect.

He added that Sarkar’s lifelong commitment to Bangladeshi nationalism, democracy, and people’s rights, along with his courage during anti-autocracy movements, made him a symbol of integrity and patriotism for future generations.

Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has died following a sudden illness, his office confirmed in a statement released late Saturday night local time. The announcement expressed gratitude from his family for public prayers and requested privacy during this difficult period.

Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was regarded as one of the most prominent members of the Senate. He was a key Republican voice on defense and international affairs. The statement did not provide further details about the nature of his illness or the circumstances of his death.

According to the report, Graham had recently returned to the United States after completing a visit to Kyiv, Ukraine. No additional information about funeral arrangements or political responses was included in the statement.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, former Speaker of the National Parliament and member of the BNP Standing Committee. Sarkar passed away early Sunday while undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka. He was 94 years old at the time of his death.

In his condolence message, the minister said that Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar made significant contributions to the development of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. Throughout his long political career, he served with honesty, wisdom, and dedication in various important responsibilities. The minister described his death as an irreparable loss to the country’s political sphere and prayed for the salvation of his soul while extending sympathy to the bereaved family.

The report reiterated that Sarkar died early Sunday at the Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Dhaka at the age of 94.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid, along with State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Barrister Jamir Uddin Sarkar, former Speaker of the National Parliament and a standing committee member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Sarkar passed away early Friday morning at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka, at the age of 94.

In their condolence message, the ministers described Jamir Uddin Sarkar as a veteran politician, skilled parliamentarian, and a wise leader who believed in democratic values. They noted that as Speaker of the National Parliament, he played a significant role in strengthening parliamentary democracy. His long political career was marked by dedication to the welfare of the nation and its people.

The ministers stated that with his passing, the country has lost an experienced and devoted political leader whose contributions will be remembered with respect.